Pedestrian hit by car, in critical condition

TAMPA -- Authorities are investigating an accident involving the director of a Tampa agency that left a pedestrian in critical condition Friday night.

Tampa police say the woman, in her 60s, was crossing Spruce Street just west of Dale Mabry when she was struck by an eastbound 2000 Ford Crown Victoria, a city-owned vehicle, shortly after 9 p.m. The driver, Wayne Brookins, director of solid waste for Tampa, continued for a few blocks, said police, but returned to the scene moments later, just as the ambulance arrived.

The woman was taken to Tampa General Hospital. Her identity was withheld pending notification of her family. "From what has been described, the driver was not sure if he hit something and that's why he continued," said Joe Durkin, a Tampa police spokesman.